Protocol MD

Patient Safety

Safety Information

Your safety is the foundation of every Protocol MD prescription. Before starting therapy, read the warnings, side effects, and contraindications for the peptide you've been prescribed. If you ever feel unwell or experience a serious reaction, contact your physician — or call 911 in an emergency.

503A US PharmacyPhysician-PrescribedUSP-Compliant Compounding

In an emergency, call 911.

For non-emergency concerns about your protocol — including new symptoms, missed doses, or side effects — message your physician through your patient portal or email hello@protocolmd.com. Suspected adverse reactions can also be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Treatment

GLP-1 Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone involved in appetite signalling, gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin release. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Injection-site reactions

Serious risks — seek care

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back (possible pancreatitis)
  • A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath (possible thyroid tumor)
  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration or reduced urination
  • Symptoms of low blood sugar, particularly if combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Vision changes, or right-upper abdominal pain (possible gallbladder problems)

Do not use if you

  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to the medication or any of its components
  • Have a history of pancreatitis — we're not able to prescribe this online; it needs a direct physician conversation

Drug interactions

Because GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, they can affect the absorption of oral medications. Insulin and sulfonylureas raise the risk of low blood sugar when combined with a GLP-1 and may need adjusting. Tell your physician about every medication and supplement you take, including oral contraceptives.

Treatment

Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog. It stimulates the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone.

Common side effects

  • Injection-site redness, swelling, or itching
  • Flushing of the face
  • Headache
  • Vivid dreams or sleep disturbance
  • Mild nausea

Serious risks — seek care

  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
  • Persistent joint pain or swelling in hands/feet
  • Numbness or tingling (possible carpal tunnel symptoms)
  • New or worsening insulin resistance / elevated blood sugar

Do not use if you

  • Have active malignancy
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have severe respiratory failure or critical illness
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to sermorelin or mannitol

Drug interactions

Glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and insulin may alter the response to sermorelin. Inform your physician of all medications and supplements.

Treatment

NAD+

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a compounded coenzyme therapy used to support cellular energy metabolism.

Common side effects

  • Flushing, warmth, or chest tightness during/after dosing — usually rate-dependent
  • Nausea, abdominal cramping
  • Headache
  • Injection-site tenderness or bruising
  • Lightheadedness

Serious risks — stop and seek care

  • Severe chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
  • Signs of allergic reaction (swelling, hives, breathing difficulty)
  • Fainting or persistent dizziness

Do not use if you

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have unstable cardiovascular disease
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to NAD+ or excipients
  • Are under 18 years of age

Drug interactions

Disclose all medications, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and methylation-related supplements. Slow administration reduces the likelihood of side effects.

Treatment

Glutathione

Glutathione is a compounded tripeptide antioxidant used to support cellular detoxification and oxidative balance.

Common side effects

  • Injection-site redness, tenderness, or bruising
  • Lightheadedness or transient headache
  • Mild nausea or abdominal discomfort
  • Temporary skin lightening with prolonged use

Serious risks — stop and seek care

  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
  • Wheezing or chest tightness (caution if you have asthma)
  • Fainting or persistent dizziness

Do not use if you

  • Have asthma triggered by sulfur-containing compounds
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Are under 18 years of age
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to glutathione or excipients

Drug interactions

Disclose all medications and supplements, including chemotherapy agents, which glutathione may interfere with. Discuss timing and suitability with your prescribing physician.

Compounded peptides prescribed through Protocol MD are not FDA-approved drug products. They are prepared by US 503A compounding pharmacies and require a valid prescription from a licensed physician. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Side effect lists are not exhaustive. Individual responses vary. Always disclose your full medical history, current medications, supplements, and any allergies to your prescribing physician before starting or changing a protocol.

Not for use by persons under 18, or by individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.